Take older child on vacation but leave toddler?
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Anonymous
| My husband and I will be traveling this summer for a week to visit family who lives in Europe. We will be taking my 5 year old son so that he has a chance to reconnect with his cousin of the same age who lives there. We were planning on taking our daughter as well, who will be almost 2 at the time of the trip. My in-laws recently told us that they’re happy to take care of our daughter if we want to go without her. She’s a nightmare on planes and without having to plan our days around her afternoon nap we’d have way more flexibility and fun for the adults and older kids - it would absolutely be a less stressful trip. She adores my in-laws, sees them almost once a week, and has spent the night at their house before (they live close by). But would it be heartless to take one child and leave my toddler who won’t understand what’s going on??? |
Anonymous
| no |
Anonymous
| No way! Not heartless. Sounds like a great opportunity for everyone. |
Anonymous
| You may end up with some behaviour issues upon your return. If you do this make sure to take some time to reconnect before dumping her in daycare the next day. |
Anonymous
| Leave her |
Anonymous
| Sounds like a good plan. She won't remember trip and your son old enough to explore with you. |
Anonymous
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Similar situation, but I took the 5 year old abroad to visit my family while my husband stayed with the toddler for two weeks. It worked out fine but she was extra clingy when I returned and it took a few days for her to readjust. She also got sick and vomited while I was away.
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Anonymous
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I wouldn’t and have never left the younger child to travel. Traveling with a toddler is fine and it’s great to have family time in adventurous new places.
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Anonymous
Ugh the toddler won’t remember. And she gets to spend uninterrupted time with her grandparents. Win win for everyone. |
Anonymous
| We did this although only for five days - it was great! Grandparents bonded with the toddler and we had a great time. We did this both when we had only the one child, and again when our third was too young to enjoy the active vacation we had planned with the two older siblings. No regrets. |
Anonymous
| Leaving kids with loving grandparents is never heartless. |
Anonymous
| Thanks all for the reassurance! My husband and I have gone on vacation alone several times now, but it just felt a little weird purposefully only taking one of the kids with us. I would predict that she’ll be extra clingy when we get back, but I only work part time and she has a beloved nanny the rest of the week, so hopefully it won’t be too bad. |
Anonymous
| I wouldnt do it, but I would not judge you for doing so. |
Anonymous
| Doesn’t the European family want to see her? |
Anonymous
this |